New Delhi, November 23
The first day of the winter session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly witnessed some unruly scenes created by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members, forcing Speaker Yoganand Shatsri to adjourn the proceedings twice today.

The Opposition members sought the house committee's (HC) investigation in corruption cases. The BJP members entered the House with placards, demanding the government to constitute the HC, disrupting the question hour.

When the Speaker asked them to raise their demand during discussion over the Commonwealth Games, the members trooped into the well of the House. Later, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for 20 minutes.

When the House resumed its proceedings, the BJP MLAs raised the same demand chanting slogans to pressurise the Speaker to accept their demand. Again, the House was adjourned for 25 minutes.

When the Opposition tried to disrupt the House for the third time, transport minister Arvinder Singh Lovely moved a proposal, appealing to the Speaker to ask BJP MLAs to leave the House. Thereafter, the Speaker asked them to leave the House and let him continue with the proceedings. When they did not follow his order, the Speaker took help of marshals to throw them out.

Later, the BJP MLAs led by the leader of the Opposition Vijay Kumar Malhotra held a dharna outside the Speaker's office. They were detained as holding dharna on the Assembly Secretariat premises is not allowed.

Addressing the media, Malhotra said that his party members would continue raising the demand of the formation of a house committee in the next proceedings too. He said if the demand was not met, they would not allow the next proceedings.

The Assembly Secretariat does not have any committee to investigate the financial bungling cases. "We have public accounts committee, but it does not serve its purpose. It had pointed a scam of Rs 12,500 crore in power privatisation, but nothing has been done so far. We are demanding to constitute an assembly house committee on the line of joint parliamentary committee to investigate the financial bungling," he said.

Though the government has the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India to investigate into the financial corruption cases, but the CAG does not have the power to prosecute suspects. But the JPC is empowered to prosecute suspects.

When asked that Opposition members were always thrown out if they raised any issue against the government, Malhotra termed it as the murder of democracy. It shows the dictatorship of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

Replying to a question on the CWG Organising Committee membership, Malhotra said there were 550 members in the association. Eighty per cent members were Congress activists, he alleged.

New Delhi, November 23
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today made it clear that her government would facilitate and provide all records to an agency authorized to look into the alleged irregularities during the Commonwealth Games 2010.

Replying to a short-term discussion initiated by Subhash Chopra, a senior Congress MLA in the Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister said that credibility was a must for any enquiry so that clear position could be presented.

She said the demand for setting up a House Committee was a politically motivated move.

Addressing the House on the first day of the winter session, the Chief Minister condemned the attitude of the Opposition which leaves the House to avoid any fruitful discussion on any matter. Their main objective is to create sensation.

The role of V. K. Malhotra seems suspicious as he was closely associated with the Organizing Committee (OC) and was an integral part of all the decisions taken by the committee, she said.

The Prime Minister instituted an enquiry immediately after the conclusion of the Games. This makes the intention of the Union government clear. The government is in no mood to spare anybody whosoever he may be, said the Chief Minister.

The government at Centre and city government are committed to bringing out the truth before the people. The government will facilitate any enquiry conducted by the CBI, CVC, CAG, Shanglu Committee, etc, she said.

The city government was able to meet all expenditure because of its better tax collection measures and no need was felt at all to levy any tax to meet CWG expenses, she added.

On the demand of setting up a sports authority or sports academy, Dikshit announced that a committee under the chairmanship of sports minister will be constituted to suggest setting up sports academies or any other institutes in order to ensure proper use of infrastructure.

There was no untoward incident during the Games. "We provided foolproof security. Delhi has become a world-class city with new grade separators, FOBs, underbridges, streetscapings, footpaths, cycle tracks, etc. Medical clinic in the Games Villages was appreciated by one and all. In power sector, we have become self-sufficient and there will be no shortage of power in the coming 10 years. We have constructed the biggest bus depot in the world and the DTC fleet has also been expanded to meet the needs of the common man," she said.

New Delhi, November 23
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said her government would take extra care of the 13 kids who had been orphaned in the tragic building collapse at Lalita Park on November 15, which killed 69 people, most of them daily wagers.

"I promise that the children would get special care for education and other needs. We will also provide them accommodation," she said.

Some of these children have not been visited by anyone and children welfare bodies have expressed concern over their fate. They have also demanded that the children be provided psychological care before they are rehabilitated.

The five-storey building in the congested lane of Lalita Park housed over 250 persons in cubbyhole rooms and a majority of them were from Bihar and West Bengal.

Most of the survivors and relatives of the victims have returned to their native places, but some children still remain in Delhi as none of their relatives have turned up.

New Delhi, November 23
The Delhi government on Tuesday clarified that the proposal for hiking the salaries of legislators and ministers, by almost 200 per cent, has not been rejected by the Central government, but some queries have been raised.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said the Central government had only raised some queries and a reply to them has already been sent.

"Whatever the problems are there, we will sort it out," she added.

Later, in a statement, the Chief Minister's office clarified that the Central government has not turned down the legislative proposal relating to amendment of the Members of Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Salaries, Allowances, Pension etc.) Act, 1994 and the ministers of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Salaries and Allowances) Act, 1994.

According to officials, the Central government sought certain clarifications regarding the two proposals October 25 and then in another letter dated November 9, it was assured that the proposal of hike would be processed expeditiously on receipt of these clarifications.

The statement said the salary and allowances of members of the state legislative assembly were not reviewed even after the "significant" increase in the salaries of government employees as recommended by the 6th Pay Commission.

Justifying the proposed hike of nearly 200 per cent, it contended the fact of inflation and that the legislators are not granted the accommodation and other facilities, prompted the government to move a proposal in this regard. — IANS

New Delhi, November 23
Even as the India international Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan was declared a no-plastic event last year, plastic seems to have found its way back in, with no challans or fines imposed on traders yet.

In keeping with this year's theme of green fair, ITPO had told all the participants to ban plastic bags, but the rule is violated at the fair. ITPO along with the Delhi government gave 30 stalls to various NGOs to sell jute and paper bags at the fair, but still plastic has found its way back in.

While many pavilions are following the code and giving jute and cloth bags, many stalls at the international and electronic pavilions are selling items in plastic bags. Also this time around, the number of jute bag stalls put up by the ITPO has not seen an increase and even the sales at the stalls remain lukewarm.

Ironically, one could find plastic bags in many hands. Many multinational brands are also giving away the purchases in plastic bags. Smaller stalls selling pickles, papads, spices and other food items are one of the culprits, handing away purchases in poly bags.

"Some stalls offered me poly bags so I took them. I saw no harm, in fact I didn't know that they were banned here, otherwise why the traders would hand these bags," said Richa Ahuja, one of the visitors at the fair today.

"Not all people are buying the jute and paper bags. We are selling one bag for Rs 10 and 3 for Rs 20. The prices are not very high, but it seems as if no one wants to walk those extra steps for buying the bag," said one of the salespersons at the JMDC jute stall.

When asked to comment on the issue, an ITPO official said, "The stall owners stand the risk of losing their security deposit and even will be fined if they do not comply with the guidelines. Though we have warned several traders, fines have not been imposed yet. We will look into the matter."

"We have to pay for jute and paper bags. These bags should ideally be provided at the stalls. What do we do?" asked Kartika helplessly, her hands full with shopped items in plastic bags today.

Faridabad, November 23
The employees of Municipal Corporation Faridabad (MCF) have launched an agitation to press for registration of a criminal case against a councillor, Kamal Yadav, for allegedly manhandling two of their colleagues.

The employees also demand quashing of the FIR against the two officials registered on a complaint of Yadav, who represents ward number 35.

The employees allege that not only did the councillor and his goons beat up the two officials on duty, but also framed them up in false charges.

The employees, who launched the agitation yesterday under the aegis of Nagar Palika Sangh, Haryana, today continued with their dharna at the MCF headquarters here.

The president of the Engineers' Association of MCF, Dharam Singh, asserted that the agitating employees would not relent until their demand was met.

The employees have already met the commissioner, MCF, Mahtab Singh in this regard.

It has become difficult for the employees to discharge their duties in the face of undemocratic behaviour on the part of politicians, Dharam Singh added.

The employees alleged during their sloganeering outside the MCF headquarters that the councillor indulged in misdemeanour at the instance of the chief parliamentary secretary, Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Sharda Rathore who represents Ballabgarh assembly constituency in this district. Kamal Yadav's ward happens to fall in Ballabgarh constituency.

The employees alleged that two of their colleagues were beaten by Kamal Yadav and his goons near Aazi Colony in Ballabgarh on November 18. Later, they were shooed away from the area.

According to them, the police did not entertain a complaint of the officials and refused to register a case. On the contrary, the two were booked, a measure to preempt action against the guilty councillor, they added.

According to Dharam Singh, as per the complaint of Kamal Yadav to the police, he was kidnapped and manhandled by the two officials. The councillor further submitted in the complaint that he somehow managed to escape from their clutches.

The councillor in a separate move also submitted a written complaint to the commissioner, MCF, alleging that two officials often indulged in bribery.

According to the commissioner, the complaint has been forwarded to the joint commissioner, Ballabgarh Zone.

New Delhi, November 23
It was an eventful day for both the students and faculty at Jamia Millia Islamia today as the spiritual leader Dalai Lama visited the university to receive an honorary doctorate.

The doctorate was handed over by the university's vice-chancellor, Najeeb Jung in the presence of human resource development minister Kapil Sibal and thousands of students and members of the faculty, besides diplomats.

Addressing the students on campus today, the Dalai Lama spoke of world peace and his concerns about religious harmony.He advised the students to look above the everyday differences and strive for bigger goals in life, but most importantly, learn lessons from the past.

"The 20th century was a century of bloodshed, but nothing was achieved. The 21st century must be a century of peace and you will shape it. You will be responsible for how the 22nd century shapes up," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Najeeb Jung said that the Dalai Lama was one of the biggest propagators of inter-faith dialogue and a true inheritor of Mahatma Gandhi's message of peace and non-violence.

On the occasion, Sibal also lauded the university for honoring the Dalai Lama in "keeping with its secular traditions". Emphasizing the value of higher education, he said the future of India depended on its academic sector.

However, students described the day as "once in a lifetime opportunity" to interact with the Dalai Lama.

"We have been reading about him, articulating the theories and principals that he propagates. But to see him here, in our own college was quite an experience. It cannot be put into words. He has a charismatic persona indeed," said Anchal Vashishth, student at the university.

New Delhi, November 23
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) today started sealing unregistered guesthouses in the city's tourist hub, Paharganj.

The civic body, with help from local police, sealed three guesthouses and hotels in Paharganj-- Ved Palace and Ved Hans in Gali Ram Nath Patwa and DRS in Dariba Pan.

MCD officials said the guest houses were vacated and their entry and exit points were closed.

"The sealing was ordered by deputy commissioner, Sadar Paharganj zone, for misuse of the property under Master Plan 2021 as directed by the Supreme Court," said Renu Jagdev, DC of Paharganj.

"MCD had issued notices to these guesthouses and hotels and 18 others on November 18, asking for a reply within 48 hours about the status of their buildings. Action against the remaining guesthouses and hotels will be taken on case-to-case basis," she said.

The officials added that the guesthouses and hotels which have been sealed failed to produce any document in their support.

As per MCD's records, the violations found in their properties included lack of sanctioned building plan or regularisation plan. Also, the buildings were no registered under the special area provisions of MPD-2021 and the owners had made additions and alterations in the structure without due sanction and approval from the local body as required under the DMC Act.

Further, some guest houses were not covered by any health or trade license, nor any permission had been granted to them for using their rooms as guesthouse, non-residential or commercial purpose, said the officer.

Also, the owners could not produce any document evidencing payment of due conversion, parking and regularisation charges as required under Master Plan of Delhi-2021.

New Delhi, November 23
The Delhi police has arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly murdering his neighbour.

The accused Akash, alias Vishnu, killed the victim after a scuffle ensued between them during a drinking.

Akash is a resident of Prem Nagar. The Aman Vihar police has arrested him on charges of murdering Sonu (20) on the night of November 14. Akash was absconding after the incident. However, the police nabbed him yesterday near Mangolpuri Railway Station on a tip off.

The police found that Sonu had consumed liquor with three local boys -- Akash, Vikram and Raju. While Akash was absconding from his house, Vikram and Raju were found in their houses and were taken in police custody for inquiry. "Vikram and Raju disclosed that on the night of the murder they had consumed liquor with Akash and Sonu. While they were drinking, Akash abused Sonu and a scuffle ensued between them. During the scuffle, Sonu hit Akash on the Akash with a brick. As a result, Akash threatened Sonu with dire consequences," said Chhaya Sharma, DCP (outer).

According to the police, Akash has confessed to have murdered Sonu. Sonu's mobile phone, the blood-stained clothes of the accused and the weapon of offence was recovered at Akash's instance.

Akash disclosed that he had consumed liquor with Vikram, Raju and Sonu. "Sonu had said that he ran a factory, while Akash roamed idly. They had a scuffle on this issue and Sonu hit Akash on the head with a brick. Vikram and Raju intervened, but Akash kept looking for a suitable chance to take revenge from Sonu. He found Sonu near his house and hit him with a scissor, causing him multiple injuries. After committing the crime, Akash fled from the spot," Sharma added.

New Delhi, November 23
The Delhi police has arrested three persons for allegedly supplying illegal weapons to criminals in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

The accused have been identified as Tariq Anwar Siddique (25), Mohommad Illiyas (48) and Mohommad Jahiruddin (45).

With their arrest, the police claims to have unearthed a syndicate of illegal arms.

Six semi-automatic .32 bore pistols and 12 magazines have been seized from their possession.

The consignment was brought to Delhi from Munger in Bihar by Siddique for Illiyas. Illiyas was supposed to hand it over to Jahiruddin, who had been selling arms to criminals, added senior officials.

Siddique and Illiyas were apprehended first and later on their information, Jahiruddin was also arrested.

"The gang is part of a large syndicate selling illegal arms to criminals. This syndicate has been operating for the past four-five years. Jahiruddin was arrested by the crime branch in 2006 with 23 pistols," said a senior police official.

In order to avoid police's suspicion, the members of the gang used to travel in general coaches of trains. Normally, they would sling bags like students.

Investigation is being carried out in Munger to ascertain the magnitude of the trade and identify other members of the syndicate, the police said.

New Delhi, November 23
The Delhi police has arrested a man for allegedly stealing zebra skin from the house of a Mumbai-based businessman, the police said today.

The accused has been identified as Deepak Yadav (31), resident of Sonia Vihar .

The police has recovered the zebra skin which was allegedly stolen from the house of the businessman by Yadav who worked there as a security guard.

The animal skin has been made into a trophy measuring three metres in length and two metres in width, H G S Dhaliwal, deputy commissioner of police (South), said.

Officials of Wildlife Department were contacted, who after preliminary examination of the skin have opined that the skin is of a zebra and suspected to have been brought to India from abroad.

His arrest was made after specific information that someone dealing in animal skin would visit Jor Bagh Colony in Delhi to deliver it to some businessman.

A trap was laid and the accused apprehended on a tip-off from near the Jor Bagh area.

"He brought it to his native place in Uttar Pradesh. For the last several years, he had been trying to sell it to some buyer who could pay him a handsome amount. Recently, he had got a contact in Jor Bagh and was trying to dispose of the skin through this contact," said a senior official.

The accused had stolen the skin when he was working as a security guard with a family in the Sheetal Bagh area of Mumbai in 2004.

The police station concerned in Mumbai is being contacted to verify the report of theft and a team has been sent there to verify the facts.

Ghaziabad, November 23
Around 150 students from different schools stepped into the shoes of traffic policemen for a day here as part of an awareness programme.

"These schoolchildren challaned 450 people, recovered three weapons and collected fines amounting to Rs 87,000 from Old Bus Stand and Chaudhary More intersections," traffic inspector Pawan Kumat said.

Students from KDB Public School, Ingraham Higher Secondary School and Dehradun Public School were for two hours posted with traffic cops.

The kids looked enthusiastic about their work.

"Now, we know how much pain traffic police officers have to undergo every day," an eleventh standard student Mayank Goel said.

Superintendent of police (traffic and crime) Jai Prakash said: "I am happy to see the participation of so many school children and hope that they turn into responsible citizens." — IANS

New Delhi, November 23
The Delhi police has arrested two persons -- Gajender and Shokeen -- for allegedly being allegedly involved in vehicle theft cases.

The duo was apprehended yesterday near Kaya-Maya Picket on Mehrauli-Badarpur Road during a routine checking, said O.P. Mishra, DCP (south-east).

They were intercepted at the picket as they were not wearing helmets. They abandoned their motor cycle on the road and ran. The youths were apprehended after a chase, said a senior police official. They were asked to produce the documents of the motor cycle, but failed. It came to light that the vehicle was stolen from the Mehrauli area.

The police has seized 18 motor cycles from them.

They told the police that they had stolen five bikes from different part of Delhi. They allegedly kept the stolen vehicles at Sangam Vihar here. They further confessed that their associates -- Dharampal and Hasim -- had also given them some bikes which they had parked at the residence of another associate in Haryana. They led the police team to Sangam Vihar and Mewat and got the stolen motor cycles seized.